That is obviously important -- Boston could either acquire a top-10 player and take a huge step forward, or lose its only All-Star and turn to a longer rebuilding process -- but shouldn't be overly surprising. If Danny Ainge can't build a competitive team around his point guard by next summer, Rondo could feel compelled to walk as a free agent. And losing a four-time All-Star for nothing would not be perfect.

That's not saying the Celtics have to move Rondo just because "well, we didn't get Love." But they should and will explore his trade market.

Sullinger not in offer?

Bulpett reported Friday that in their pursuit of Love, the Celtics have offered the sixth and 17th picks in this year's draft, one of their own future first-rounders, and Kelly Olynyk. The deal would need to include some additional contracts (Green or Brandon Bass, anyone?), but if that's indeed the core offer, Ainge is holding back. He hasn't put Jared Sullinger on the table, nor has he agreed to part ways with one of Brooklyn's future unprotected No. 1 picks. I would be surprised if either of those pieces held back a possible deal -- Ainge doesn't strike me as the type of person to let himself get within sniffing distance of the best power forward in basketball, only to miss out on him because of a desire to hold onto a 2016 first-round pick.

It's possible, I guess, that the Timberwolves could prefer Olynyk to Sullinger; Flip Saunders reportedly coveted the skilled 7-footer in last year's draft. But Sullinger's younger, coming off a better season, and could have more room for improvement if he dedicates himself to conditioning and extending his shooting range. He's widely considered the Celtics' best young player.

Bulpett added that the Celtics and Timberwolves have not done any back-and-forth negotiating. Maybe that will come later? Maybe it won't come at all? Who knows.

Other offers

After the Golden State Warriors reportedly decided to include Klay Thompson in trade talks (or maybe not), they appear to be the leader in the clubhouse.

Keep in mind: This is rumor season. Appearances can deceive. But if the Timberwolves want to stay competitive, which is the word, dealing Love and Kevin Martin for Thompson, David Lee and a future first-round pick (the reported package being discussed, per Marc Stein) could look attractive.

The Warriors deal would come with some long-term holes, though. Thompson might want a max extension. Lee's already overpaid and posts emptier stats than the majority of basketball-playing humans. A first-round pick would be nice, but it wouldn't be in the 2014 draft, which is allegedly the best in a decade. The Wolves also reportedly want Harrison Barnes, who has talent, but hasn't yet been able to put it together.

If Saunders accepts the Warriors deal, he would be making life easier for himself as a coach (Thompson and Lee are both good players) but maybe failing at his other job as president of basketball operations. I mean, really, do the Timberwolves want to compete for the non-existent ninth seed forever? Or do they want to acquire picks, cheap talent and salary cap relief to finally build a worthy roster at some point in the future?

At least one smart Timberwolves writer, Zach Harper, does not like the Golden State offer at all and would rather see Saunders deal with the Celtics (or a few other teams: the Nuggets, Suns or Bulls). That's reassuring for Celtics fans (hope!) but then you must remember that these are the Timberwolves, who, seven years after trading the best player in franchise history because they bungled the roster around him so badly, could be one week away from dealing the second-best player in franchise history because they bungled the roster around him so badly.

Rationally, Saunders should think mostly about the future if and when he chooses a Love trade. In reality, Saunders might think more about the present, which would not be good for Boston.

The Celtics offer still holds plenty of appeal, though. They can combine a bundle of picks with young talent and salary cap relief. That's a nice trio of everything teams should look for when forced into trading a star. Keep hope, my friends.